Do butterfly chairs fold up?

Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.

What is the most comfortable folding chair?

The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.

Who designed the folding chair?

Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.

What are the chairs that fold up called?

Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.

Who invented the folding chair?

Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.

How do I identify a Victorian chair?

To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.

What is a Victorian slipper chair?

A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is a Victorian lounge chair called?

What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.

Victorian Folding Chairs

Teak Deck Chair

Iron Campaign Chair

Folding Campaign Desk

Mahogany Foldable Chairs

Foldable Military

Caned Folding

Victorian Upholstery

Victorian Armchair Walnut

10 France Leather Victorian Folding Chairs

$6,500 / set

H 37 in W 24 in D 22 in

10 France Leather Victorian Folding Chairs

By Maison Jansen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A large set of 10 folding country chairs in excellent condition with their original leather. Very

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Figural Carved Walnut Folding Chair With Circus Theme

$760Sale Price|20% Off

H 36.25 in W 23 in D 19.5 in

Antique Victorian Figural Carved Walnut Folding Chair With Circus Theme

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Victorian Figural Carved Walnut Folding Chair With Circus Themed Tapestry Print C1890

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Sculptural Antique circa 1890 Victorian English Solid Wooden Oak Folding Chair

$687Sale Price|47% Off

H 34.65 in W 19.3 in D 29.53 in

Sculptural Antique circa 1890 Victorian English Solid Wooden Oak Folding Chair

Located in Markington, GB

Circa 1890 Victorian English Oak Folding Chair A sculptural antique folding chair from England

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Chairs

Materials

Oak

Antique Folding Steamer Chair, English, Bergère, Campaign Lounge Seat, Victorian

$2,287

H 34.06 in W 16.54 in D 27.17 in

Antique Folding Steamer Chair, English, Bergère, Campaign Lounge Seat, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an attractive antique folding steamer chair. An English, walnut and bergère campaign lounge

Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Bergere Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Folding Campaign Chair attr. George Hunzinger

$950

H 34 in W 21 in D 25 in

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Folding Campaign Chair attr. George Hunzinger

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Folding Campaign Parlor Chair attributed to George Hunzinger. Circa

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Victorian Military Campaign Folding Faux Bamboo Embroidered Safari Cane Chair

$1,636

H 38.98 in W 26.38 in D 23.63 in

Victorian Military Campaign Folding Faux Bamboo Embroidered Safari Cane Chair

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A delicate slice of Victorian Military Campaign. A folding Chair of Faux Bamboo, with an

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British British Colonial Bergere Chairs

Materials

Brass

Victorian William Godwin Ebonised Low Walnut Jappenned Folding Decorative Chair

$1,966Sale Price|44% Off

H 27.17 in W 14.97 in D 23.23 in

Victorian William Godwin Ebonised Low Walnut Jappenned Folding Decorative Chair

By Edward William Godwin

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hand Crafted Ebonised Low Walnut Folding Decorative Chair with A

Category

Antique 19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood, Walnut

English Victorian Folding Campaign Lounge Chair, or Bergère, Late 19th Century

$1,450

H 47 in W 29.25 in D 33.5 in

English Victorian Folding Campaign Lounge Chair, or Bergère, Late 19th Century

Located in Savannah, GA

English Victorian Folding Campaign Lounge Chair, or Bergère, Late 19th Century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Bergere Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Civil War Period Folding Officers Camp Chair Campaign Chair

$495

H 35 in W 17 in D 23 in

Antique 19th Century Civil War Period Folding Officers Camp Chair Campaign Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique 19th century civil war period folding officers camp chair campaign chair. Item features a

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mechanical Adjustable Patent Victorian Chair Table after Hunzinger

$1,200

H 44 in W 20 in D 21 in

Mechanical Adjustable Patent Victorian Chair Table after Hunzinger

By George Hunzinger

Located in New York, NY

Interesting mechanical folding chair/table from the Victorian period. The chair backrest folds down

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Early 20th Century Carved Walnut and Upholstered Folding Rocking Chair

$995

H 31 in W 18 in D 29 in

Early 20th Century Carved Walnut and Upholstered Folding Rocking Chair

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early 20th century Victorian Style carved Walnut and Upholstered rocking chair.

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Victorian Era Campaign Chair with Lidded Ottoman, circa 1890s

$2,395 / set

H 37.75 in W 24.25 in D 30.5 in

Victorian Era Campaign Chair with Lidded Ottoman, circa 1890s

Located in Peabody, MA

A rare late Victorian folding campaign chair with accompanying lidded storage ottoman chest, circa

Category

Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Victorian Folding Iron Campaign Lounge Chair

$1,950

H 42.25 in W 29.5 in D 75 in

Victorian Folding Iron Campaign Lounge Chair

Located in Sheffield, MA

The Victorian adjustable folding iron lounge chair is capable of several upright positions or in a

Category

Antique 19th Century Canadian Campaign Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Small Child's Folding Rocker Rocking Chair

$395

H 26 in W 16 in D 20 in

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Small Child's Folding Rocker Rocking Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Small Child's Folding Rocker Rocking Chair. Item features a

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Children's Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Recent Sales

Folding 'Campaign' chairs

Unavailable

H 34 in W 14 in D 18 in

Folding 'Campaign' chairs

Located in New York, NY

French, late 19th C. Maple, faux Bamboo, 'Campaign' chairs.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair Fine Early Victorian Walnut & Cane Folding Travel Steamer Chairs

Unavailable

H 36.62 in W 23.63 in D 35.04 in

Pair Fine Early Victorian Walnut & Cane Folding Travel Steamer Chairs

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Tonbridge, Kent

Step back in time to the adventurous era of the Victorian age with these exquisite folding steamer

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Antique Victorian Colonial Folding Lounge Steamer Deck Chair / Armchair, 1900s

Unavailable

H 38.98 in W 25.99 in D 40.16 in

Antique Victorian Colonial Folding Lounge Steamer Deck Chair / Armchair, 1900s

Located in L'Etang, FR

Antique folding lounge steamer deck chair / armchair. Victorian colonial / Anglo-Indian style

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Anglo-Indian Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

English Walnut Folding Campaign Chair

Unavailable

H 42 in W 23.5 in D 26 in

English Walnut Folding Campaign Chair

Located in Southampton, NY

English FINE QUALITY WALNUT UPHOLSTERED FOLDING CAMPAIGN CHAIR. BACK FRAME CONTOURED TO THE SHAPE

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs

Antique Folding Luxury Wood Steamer Deck Chair, circa 1890, England

Unavailable

H 37 in W 22.63 in D 56 in

Antique Folding Luxury Wood Steamer Deck Chair, circa 1890, England

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Late Victorian/Edwardian traveling on the great steamer ships of that era would have been enlivened

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Chaise Longues

Materials

Cane, Wood

Antique Victorian Mahogany Folding Chair

Sold

H 36.62 in W 17.33 in D 25.2 in

Antique Victorian Mahogany Folding Chair

Located in London, GB

This antique Victorian mahogany and cane folding chair could have been made for use as a picnic or

Category

Antique 1860s English Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Antique Campaign Chair, Chinese, Carved, Folding Colonial Seat, Victorian, 1850

Sold

H 39.97 in W 19.89 in D 28.75 in

Antique Campaign Chair, Chinese, Carved, Folding Colonial Seat, Victorian, 1850

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique campaign chair. A Chinese, carved mahogany folding colonial seat, dating to the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Folding Rocker Floral Seat Campaign Chair

Sold

H 31.5 in W 17.5 in D 29 in

Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Folding Rocker Floral Seat Campaign Chair

Located in Dayton, OH

Victorian era folding rocker. Features a floral carved crest rail and a cream rose patterned

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Rocking Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Early 20th Century Teak Folding Lounge Chair

Sold

H 38 in W 22 in L 38 in

Early 20th Century Teak Folding Lounge Chair

Located in Soquel, CA

Wonderful dark teak antique folding deck lounge chair. Original hardware and finish. Very

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Late Victorian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Set of Six Folding Camp Chairs, B.J.Harrison Son Co.

Sold

H 26 in W 20 in D 20 in

Set of Six Folding Camp Chairs, B.J.Harrison Son Co.

Located in Buffalo, NY

Nice set of six matching folding chairs, Manufactured by B.J.Harrison Son Co.Interesting design

Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Teak Wood & Brass Folding Steamer Deck Lounge Pool Chair Chaise Lounge - a Pair

Sold

H 37 in W 24.5 in D 58 in

Teak Wood & Brass Folding Steamer Deck Lounge Pool Chair Chaise Lounge - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Teak Wood & Brass Folding Steamer Deck Lounge Pool Chair Chaise Lounge - a Pair. Item features

Category

Late 20th Century Victorian Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Antique French 19th Century Victorian Green Metal Folding Garden Chairs, a Pair

Sold

H 36.75 in W 16 in D 17 in

Antique French 19th Century Victorian Green Metal Folding Garden Chairs, a Pair

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A pair of two antique French metal folding garden or patio chairs. This set of chairs will be an

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rustic Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Lovely Theodore Alexander Campaign Fold Out Desk Writing Table and Chair

Sold

H 35.04 in W 41.93 in D 27.56 in

Lovely Theodore Alexander Campaign Fold Out Desk Writing Table and Chair

By Theodore Alexander

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Theodore Alexander The Residency fold

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Victorian Desks

Materials

Rattan, Hardwood

Decorative Folding Victorian Chair with Cane Seat Ebonised with Gilt detailing

Sold

H 32 in W 16 in D 29 in

Decorative Folding Victorian Chair with Cane Seat Ebonised with Gilt detailing

Located in Llanbrynmair, GB

An unusual, wonderfully decorative ebonised Victorian Folding Chair, possibly an early Deck Chair

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Beech

Victorian Military Campaign Folding Chair Steamer Liner Piece Embroidered Fabric

Sold

H 40.95 in W 23.82 in D 33.67 in

Victorian Military Campaign Folding Chair Steamer Liner Piece Embroidered Fabric

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Victorian circa 1880 Military Campaign style folding

Category

Antique 1880s English Campaign Slipper Chairs

Materials

Oak

Suite of Vintage Brown Leather Steamer Folding Armchairs, Stools & Coffee Table

Sold

H 35.24 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in

Suite of Vintage Brown Leather Steamer Folding Armchairs, Stools & Coffee Table

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

. These are called steamer because they were originally designed for the grand Victorian Steam ships, they

Category

20th Century English Victorian Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Lovely Victorian Folding Campaign Steamer Deck Chair Multiple Seating Positions

Sold

H 41.54 in W 22.84 in D 30.71 in

Lovely Victorian Folding Campaign Steamer Deck Chair Multiple Seating Positions

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1890 Military Campaign style folding

Category

Antique 1890s English Campaign Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Victorian Reclining Folding Carpet Chair

Sold

H 49 in W 25 in D 63 in

Victorian Reclining Folding Carpet Chair

Located in Hudson, NY

Unique Oriental carpet adjustable recliner with original hardware and footrest. Folds easily

Category

Antique 19th Century Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Victorian child's high chair

Sold

H 40.5 in W 14 in D 18.5 in

Victorian child's high chair

Located in New Orleans, LA

Victorian walnut high chair that folds over and converts in to chair and walker.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Chairs

Antique Victorian Folding Library Steps - Chair

Sold

Antique Victorian Folding Library Steps - Chair

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Victorian folding library steps - chair.

Category

Antique 19th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

Antique Campaign Daybed Fold Out Chair Cast Iron Casters Victorian

Sold

H 37.01 in W 26.78 in D 44.89 in

Antique Campaign Daybed Fold Out Chair Cast Iron Casters Victorian

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

A fabulous 19th century and later, Campaign fold out daybed chair, black cast iron frame with green

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Daybeds

Materials

Metal

Victorian metamorphic folding cast-iron chair/bed. 19th C.

Sold

H 41 in W 35 in

Victorian metamorphic folding cast-iron chair/bed. 19th C.

Located in Vancouver, BC

Folding Victorian Campaign bed/chair. 19th Century. England. With original maker's label.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Antique Victorian Campaign Style Oak Desk Chair Office, 19th Century

Sold

H 33 in W 21 in D 21 in

Antique Victorian Campaign Style Oak Desk Chair Office, 19th Century

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

A Victorian Campaign style folding oak desk chair, circa 1870, with studded seat, excellent antique

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Armchairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century Oak Folding Library Chair

Sold

H 34 in W 17 in D 16 in

19th Century Oak Folding Library Chair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

A 19th Century oak Folding Library Chair forming steps with original inset carpet sections. RR

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Chairs

People Also Browsed

1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s

$4,085

H 11.03 in Dm 20.48 in

1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s

By Kalmar Lighting

Located in Aachen, NRW

Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...

Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Murano Glass

Custom Oak & Cream Bouclé Daybed by Fosfeen Handcrafted, Made to Order

$9,349 / item

H 19.69 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in

Custom Oak & Cream Bouclé Daybed by Fosfeen Handcrafted, Made to Order

Located in Plymouth, GB

A handcrafted oak and cream bouclé daybed from Fosfeen’s Sunday Collection. Made to order with full customisation available, including COM, finishes, and dimensions. The Sunday Dayb...

Category

2010s British Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Bouclé, Oak, Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood

Panoplie Iron Tripod Floor Lamp

$2,650 / item

H 63.5 in Dm 16.25 in

Panoplie Iron Tripod Floor Lamp

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Iron tripod floor lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new linen shade. Sold individually and newly made by Panoplie. Please inquire for current lead time. Measure...

Category

2010s American Floor Lamps

Materials

Iron

Chainmail Sculptural Chair, Nickel Plated Steel Finish, Hand Linked Mesh

$4,600

H 47.25 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Chainmail Sculptural Chair, Nickel Plated Steel Finish, Hand Linked Mesh

By Panorammma

Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX

Chainmail chair is a new take on William Katavolos 1952’s T-chair. Its seat is made up of hand-linked metal rings coming together to form a strong and flexible mesh that drapes down ...

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mata Ortiz Polychrome Pottery Vessel by Pilo Mora, 1990

$2,650

H 7 in Dm 9 in

Mata Ortiz Polychrome Pottery Vessel by Pilo Mora, 1990

By Pilo Mora

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mata Ortiz polychrome pottery vessel Pilo Mora, Master Potter (1961 - ) 1990 Hand coiled low fire clay Pueblo Quezada, Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico Measures: 7 inches Height. x...

Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Other Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Murano Glass Smoked Single Panel Sconces

$3,750 / set

H 25 in W 3.5 in D 2.5 in

Murano Glass Smoked Single Panel Sconces

Located in Austin, TX

Pair of Murano glass sconces, each crafted with a single curved panel of hand-blown smoked glass on a brass frame. We love the modern style and hand-crafted quality of these sconces....

Category

2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Vintage, Brutalist Farmers Dining Table

$5,952

H 28.75 in W 92.13 in D 30.32 in

Vintage, Brutalist Farmers Dining Table

Located in Schellebelle, BE

Elegant French Farmers Table with an old Oak Table Top with a nice and warm bleached patina, the base of the table ,two trestles, are made of Meranti wood, very comfortable table to...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Farm Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of Belgium Wabi-Sabi Wooden Side Tables

$3,251 / set

H 19.69 in W 19.89 in D 19.89 in

Pair of Belgium Wabi-Sabi Wooden Side Tables

Located in London, GB

A pair of wooden side tables. Belgium, c1950s. Formed from old wood. Good vintage condition, occasional scuffs and signs of wear. Internal Ref: 03/03/25/022. M/S. Location: Belg...

Category

Vintage 1950s Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Accordion Bell Sconce

$4,900 / item

H 11 in W 4 in D 18 in

Accordion Bell Sconce

By Allied Maker

Located in Glen Cove, NY

This brass and wood vintage style wall sconce provides ample task light and can be extended to an overall reach of 18". The bell shade houses a 40 watt equivalent LED bulb.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Wall Mirror in Solid American Black Walnut by Hinterland Design

$4,235 / item

H 42 in W 52 in D 6 in

Wall Mirror in Solid American Black Walnut by Hinterland Design

Located in Vancouver, BC

Our 'Oxbow Mirror' combines a perfect arc, mystic mirror effects and a simple platform for display or function. The oxbow form is derived from the cut-off section of an old meanderin...

Category

2010s Canadian Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Hardwood, Walnut

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

$824Sale Price|20% Off

H 8 in W 10 in

Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing

By British Sporting Art

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Portrait of a Horse British School, 20th century oil painting on panel, unframed paintings size: 8 x 10 inches condition: excellent provenance: from a private collection here in Engl...

Category

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Spider Special 150 Ceiling Light Italian Design by Diego Mardegan

$18,561 / item

H 39.38 in Dm 59.06 in

Spider Special 150 Ceiling Light Italian Design by Diego Mardegan

By Diego Mardegan

Located in London, GB

A very stunning bespoke ceiling light fixture Titled " Spider Special 150 " This ceiling light is composed of six ivory coloured silk on parchment shades held to a brass metal frame....

Category

2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Long brass chandelier in Murano glass by Studio Glustin

$10,094 / item

H 35.44 in W 59.06 in D 15.75 in

Long brass chandelier in Murano glass by Studio Glustin

By Glustin Creation

Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR

Long brass chandelier with sculpted Murano glass. Italy, 2024.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...

Materials

Brass

Hillebrand Mid-Century Brutalist Wall Mirror, Germany 1960's

$1,382

H 32.29 in W 16.93 in D 3.15 in

Hillebrand Mid-Century Brutalist Wall Mirror, Germany 1960's

By Hillebrand

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

A Mid-Century wall mirror with a frame constructed of cast metal sculptural elements in the “Brutalist” aesthetic. The frame surrounds a polished and lacquered brass inner frame. Thi...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Iron

Hans Bergström, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$12,900

H 24 in Dm 30 in

Hans Bergström, Chandelier, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström

Located in High Point, NC

A twelve-armed brass and white fabric chandelier designed by Hans Bergström and produced by Atelje Lyktan, Åhus, Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24” H x 30” Diameter ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Dark Oak Mid-Century Dining Table

$6,357 / item

H 30 in W 134 in D 47 in

Dark Oak Mid-Century Dining Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

This table combines sleek modernity with timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to any contemporary home. Comfortably seating 8 to 12 people. The table features an extendabl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Dining Room ...

Materials

Wood

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Victorian Folding Chairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Victorian Folding Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of victorian folding chairs available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, hardwood and metal, all victorian folding chairs available were constructed with great care. Victorian folding chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Victorian folding chairs are generally popular furniture pieces, but Victorian style is often sought at 1stDibs.

How Much are Victorian Folding Chairs?

Prices for victorian folding chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, victorian folding chairs begin at $500 and can go as high as $4,035, while the average can fetch as much as $1,500.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Victorian Folding Chairs

Do butterfly chairs fold up?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
What is the most comfortable folding chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.
Who designed the folding chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
What are the chairs that fold up called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
Who invented the folding chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
How do I identify a Victorian chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.
What is a Victorian slipper chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a Victorian lounge chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.